How a name spotted on a WWII grave taught a Virginia family more about their history of service

When Marshal Boutchyard entered the Army National Guard four years ago, he knew he had relatives who served and died in World War II. Only now is a fuller picture emerging.

The Boutchyard family learned they had two family members – brothers – who were killed in the war.

The Boutchyards found out more about their family’s history of service thanks to a county employee in Stafford County, Virginia, who spotted their last name on a gravestone in Normandy, France, and recognized the name from back home.

Here’s how they all are helping keep the Boutchyard brothers’ memory alive.

A family’s service and loss

A ceremony in Stafford County on Friday, ahead of Memorial Day, paid tribute to Marvin and Mercer Boutchyard.

Pfc. Marvin Boutchyard served in Europe. He was part of the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach.

“He made it across the beach. He was one of 30 that survived out of a company of 65. Not only did they make it across the beach and rappelled up the cliffs, they freed two or three more towns just in the first day,” said Shannon Eubanks, Stafford County community engagement director.

A week later, Marvin Boutchyard was wounded and died.

A year later, in the Pacific theater, his brother, Cpl. Mercer Boutchyard, died from wounds fighting in the battle of Okinawa.

“That was definitely news to me. I did not know that complete story,” relative Darien Boutchyard said.

‘Sure enough, it was our Marvin’

Eubanks, the county’s community engagement director, had helped create a local memorial filled with the names of fallen veterans. When she visited Normandy American Cemetery in France last fall, she spotted a gravestone that said “Boutchyard” and remembered the name.

“I saw a very unusual name, Marvin Boutchyard, which I knew was in our memorial. I quickly looked it up and Googled and, sure enough, it was our Marvin. And immediately I knew we have to do something to tell his story,” she said.

‘I think Marvin wanted his story to be told’

Ben Brands is a historian with the American Battle Monuments Commission. He said Americans need to honor those who served and gave their lives.

“As we get further away from these wars, it’s so important for Americans to remember the dead, remember those who served and keep those memories alive,” Brands said.

Marshal Boutchyard said he will work to carry on his family’s commitment to serving the country. He’s expecting to deploy abroad this summer.

“I just carry it with me wherever I go. I take pride in the fact that we have people who are willing to lay down everything for the cause,” he said.

Eubanks said she’s convinced the ceremony on Friday was meant to be, especially as the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaches.

“I think Marvin wanted his story to be told, and I hope everyone thinks of him and people like him on this anniversary of D-Day,” she said.